cv axle replace

[WmWatt]

For that sort of thing I like the T-bar socket driver. There is no flexible joint to fail. I use an oil sender socket which is big and strong like a special axle nut socket but doesn`t cost as much. There are photos at my Photobucket page,
user ID is ag384fb. Hope that helps someone.

[GenevaDirt]

ummmmmmm........

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?35674-Replacing-axles-in-a-Festy

[sccshortstop]

I just got through replacing passenger front cv axel on 91 festiva. Lost more oil than I expected and do not know where I find (or is there one) a place to replace the oil in the transmission and a check plug maybe. 5 speed manual transmission

Thanks in advance!!

[Cannibeasty]

@Shortstop: Follow the speedo cable into the transmission, undo the bolt holding the speedo gear in, and pop that out. Use a long funnel to put more gear oil in, and use the actual speedo cable as a dipstick to check the oil; it has markings on the end to measure with.

[sccshortstop]

Thanks will take a look tomorrow. Is this on the drivers or passenger side?

[frogman]

Drivers side, below the Brake Boost. Remove the 10mm bolt that holds the Speedo drive housing to the Trans. Be careful When you wiggle the unit straight up, it is aluminum. There is a O-ring seal on the housing shaft that is old, stiff and probably hasn't been removed in a lonnnnnnng time.

The tab on the side of the housing with the hole for the hold down bolt is a week spot. A bunch of them get broke off when someone tries to pry on this fragile tab, to lift the speedo housing up.

[WmWatt]

Driver's side. The speedo cable goes into the insturment cluster which is in front of the driver who is usually more in need of the information than the passenger.

[sccshortstop]

WmWatt ,Yeah Ok. I see the humor in your reply. My question was where it goes into the transmission but I guess not explained well enough! Anyway thanks.

[Pgh5spd]

Yep, anti-clockwise. And once you get the tie rod disconnected, and the pinch bolt on the lower balljoint removed and know that you can separate the balljoint from the steering knuckle, here's how I pop the halfshaft out: Put the hub nut back on a few turns, and then use the steering knuckle like a slide hammer, pivoting on the balljoint. Give a couple pulls on the knuckle and the halfshaft should pop out. (Drain the transmission first!)

[sccshortstop]

Pgh5spd I have already replaced the cv axel and was actually trying to get accurate info on how to refill the transmission with fluid and have that I have to pull where the speedo connects to the transmission and where to look for that connection. seems like the refill work may be harder than getting the axel out. any specific pointers on where and how do you recommend the refill t echnique that is most desirable.

thanks again!

[Cannibeasty]

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairguides/Ford-Aspire-1994-1998-Repair-Guide/FLUIDS-AND-LUBRICANTS/Manual-Transaxle/_/P-0900c15280079820

If that helps in any way. The lumpy background is the transmission, and the speedo gear/cable will be vertical going into the transmission. Best of luck, mate! I would post pics of mine, but I'm at work...lol.

[Chobobulous]

(Drain the transmission first!)

So important lol I didn't and my garage floor looks like I slaughtered a goat.

If you get a really long funnel its not a big problem. When you are pulling the speedo gear don't use the tab to pry up on. You will break it off. Clean twist pull straight up. Sometimes ill leave the speedo cable connected to it so I have something to pull up on.

[WmWatt]

Cho: Before pulling the axle I wipe clean the the pan I use to change the oil and put it under the end of the axle to catch the transmission fluid, instead of draining the whole transmission beforehand. To get the fluid back into the transmission I use a funnel for adding oil and duct tape a piece of aluminum pipe with small enough diameter to fit in the top of the transmission onto the end. Any piece of clean pipe or hose the same size would do. Since |I'm only putting back in what came out it's not going to overflow. Add slowly.

[Chobobulous]

Cho: Before pulling the axle I wipe clean the the pan I use to change the oil and put it under the end of the axle to catch the transmission fluid, instead of draining the whole transmission beforehand. To get the fluid back into the transmission I use a funnel for adding oil and duct tape a piece of aluminum pipe with small enough diameter to fit in the top of the transmission onto the end. Any piece of clean pipe or hose the same size would do. Since |I'm only putting back in what came out it's not going to overflow. Add slowly.

Yea, I thought about reusing my old fluid. I thought then it's been in there about 50k miles. Why not change it. I had forgotten that the oil level sits above the axles. Oh well.

[sccshortstop]

I want to thank all who have responded with information on the cv axel replace and adding fluid to the manual transmission. I just completed the fluid and closed her up. The hardest part was looking through all the old oil and grease on my motor and area to find the speedo. Once done that and sprayed down there with 409 degreaser and setting 10 minutes or more the process was fairly easy. I already had a long funnel that was great because It fit in the hole perfect with just enough of a gap to allow the fluid to go down smoothly. As someone stated just pour it in slowly and good to go.

I am on several forums for all my vehicles and this one for my favorite Festiva is by far the most helpful, knowledgable, and always willing to help group there is.

Thanks again!!!!

Sccshortstop